Westbrook's public works director said the staff is preparing the trucks and making sure they're in good working order.

The most difficult part is managing the drivers and making sure all roads are covered.

The good news for these crews is that the sides of the roads are clear of snow, which leaves room for snow banks.

Portland city officials said they will have 40 crews out Friday night to help keep roads clear after the snow begins to fall.

“We’d encourage folks to stay off the roads when they can, especially during the peak of the storm, if they can park off street that would really help us as well. Allow themselves plenty of time for their morning and afternoon commutes,” Nicole Clegg, communications director for Portland, said. “We don’t want anyone rushing in this weather, the visibility and high winds will play a major factor.”

Clegg said there’s a high chance there will be a parking ban in Portland for Friday.

“Weather is an art more than a science, certainly 6 inches or more, we start to consider a parking ban but the amount of snow we already have in the street comes into play because we don’t have high snow banks right now we don’t have to deal with but the accumulation is a high factor here.”

She suggested residents stay inside and off the streets, if possible.

Central Maine Power said it is preparing for the storm as well.

It has put its storm response plan into motion.

Utility trucks are being prepared for power outages, and the company is holding pre-storm planning sessions.

CMP is offering the following tips to stay safe during the storm:

-Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.-When you use an emergency heating source, like a wood stove, fireplace, or kerosene heater, keep fuels away from the flames and be sure to ventilate properly.-Never use grills or camp stoves indoors. They can give off dangerous gases.

For customers with generators:-Carefully read and observe all instructions in your generator's owner manual.-Don't run a generator indoors, even in an open garage.-Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.-Make sure portable generators are properly grounded.-Don't store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it's running.